“Not a problem. I like an enthusiastic greeting.” I was shocked as hell to realize the words rang true. For the past decade, I’d only wanted space. I didn’t want to be reminded of everything I’d lost. But the more I was around the O’Connor family, the more I felt the urge to let them into my world. There were painful moments for sure, but I still wanted more.

“Hey, Griffin,” Will greeted. Ava hovered just behind him but offered me a smile and a small wave. My chest ached for the girl. She was painfully shy. But we were starting to make progress. Will’s gaze zeroed in on the drawing in Mia’s hand. “She made you magic kittens today.”

I studied the paper Mia held out for my examination. “Are those gemstones?”

She nodded enthusiastically. “My favorite stickers. And the diamonds give the kittens magic powers.”

“Of course, they do.” I set Mia down on the ground and took the picture she offered. “Let’s go find a spot for this one.”

I made my way to the back of Caelyn’s SUV, pulling the back hatch open and going for the cooler. Caelyn grabbed the drawing and a tote bag full of what I was sure were more delicious concoctions. “Just let me know when it gets to be too much. I’ll try and temper Mia’s creativity.”

I glanced over at Caelyn as I lifted the cooler. “I don’t mind, really.”

“Your entire house is going to be covered in rainbows if you’re not careful.”

I chuckled. “There are worse things.” So many worse things than a little girl showering me with rainbows and magic. And it wasn’t like anyone but the O’Connors and I would be present inside these walls anyway. The drawings gave the farmhouse life, something that hadn’t been present for a long time.

Our ragtag crew made our way into the house and towards the kitchen. Caelyn let out a sigh as we entered. “I’ll never get over how gorgeous this kitchen is.” The light in her eyes seemed to dance as she turned my way. “You’ve never made a single meal in here, have you?”

I rubbed the back of my neck. “I heat up what you make me in the oven or the microwave.”

Caelyn laughed, the sound punching through my chest. “Such a waste.”

I shrugged, thinking of all the time my mother had spent within these walls, the joy it had brought her. Maybe I needed to try baking cookies or something. The kind you got premade and just put on a cookie sheet.

Caelyn’s laughter intensified. “You’re looking at the oven like it’s going to come to life and attack.”

I glanced her way. “It might.”

“You’re a giant. You can defeat it,” Mia said with complete confidence.